For U.S. businesses navigating compliance like SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001, Vanta and Thoropass offer two distinct solutions:
- Vanta focuses on automation, with continuous monitoring, real-time evidence collection, and seamless integrations. It’s ideal for tech startups and mid-sized companies needing efficiency.
- Thoropass combines automation with expert-guided support, making it a better fit for larger organizations or industries like healthcare and finance that require tailored compliance strategies.
Key Differences:
- Automation: Vanta excels with automated workflows and integrations, while Thoropass blends automation with hands-on guidance.
- Frameworks: Thoropass supports more frameworks, including GDPR and HITRUST, alongside SOC 2 and HIPAA.
- Support: Vanta offers fast, metrics-driven support, while Thoropass provides dedicated compliance managers for personalized help.
- Pricing: Vanta uses tiered subscriptions, focusing on reducing manual tasks. Thoropass includes professional services in its pricing, which can reduce reliance on external consultants.
Quick Comparison:
| Feature | Vanta | Thoropass |
|---|---|---|
| Core Approach | Automation | Expert-guided + Automation |
| Supported Frameworks | SOC 2, HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI DSS | SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, GDPR, PCI DSS |
| Integrations | AWS, Google Cloud, Slack, Okta | Fewer but deeper configuration |
| Best For | Startups, tech companies | Larger, regulated industries |
| Customer Support | Metrics-driven, 24/5 availability | Dedicated compliance managers |
Bottom line: Choose Vanta for automation and efficiency or Thoropass for expert support with complex compliance needs.
Platform Overview
Vanta Overview
Vanta is a compliance automation platform tailored for high-growth tech companies. Its mission? To simplify and streamline security compliance. The platform primarily caters to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-market companies, typically ranging from 20 to 1,000 employees.
Focusing on key U.S. tech hubs, Vanta serves industries like technology, SaaS, and fintech, while also making strides in healthcare and financial services. For U.S. businesses, it emphasizes meeting SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance requirements, two critical frameworks for companies operating in digital spaces.
One standout feature of Vanta is its continuous monitoring, which integrates seamlessly with existing tech stacks. This automation enables the platform to collect evidence and monitor security controls in real time. According to IDC, Vanta users experience a 526% return on investment within three years.
"After weighing a lot of other options, Vanta had the most complete set of tools, a great user experience, and excellent customer support." - Director of Product & Engineering, Small-Business Firm
By automating evidence collection and reducing manual compliance tasks, Vanta is a go-to solution for fast-growing tech companies aiming to secure certifications quickly - without needing to assign entire teams to the process.
Thoropass Overview
Thoropass takes a slightly different approach by combining automation with expert-guided compliance support. Designed for businesses of all sizes, it’s particularly well-suited for larger organizations.
Founded by Sam Li, Thoropass has earned a reputation for helping U.S. companies break into highly regulated sectors like healthcare and fintech, where compliance is key to unlocking new opportunities. The platform supports a broad range of frameworks, including SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR, making it a versatile choice for businesses across industries.
Thoropass delivers measurable results. Customers have reported saving 25% on audit costs and achieving SOC 2 compliance in half the usual time. Case studies highlight successes like Berkshire Grey, which achieved multi-framework compliance 75% faster, and Bytescale, which saw a 400% ROI after achieving SOC 2 compliance and expanding its enterprise customer base.
"Get proactive in investing in compliance programs, so [you] don't have to rush last minute." - Sam Li, Founder and CEO, Thoropass
What sets Thoropass apart is its expert-guided support. Instead of leaving companies to navigate compliance alone, it pairs them with dedicated specialists who offer personalized guidance throughout the certification process. This hands-on approach has helped businesses achieve faster certifications and significantly boost deal closures - some by as much as 50%.
Both Vanta and Thoropass operate in a booming sector, with the compliance software market expected to hit $54.8 billion by 2025. Their distinct methods provide unique advantages, setting the stage for a closer look at how their features compare in meeting U.S. compliance needs.
Feature Comparison
Compare the features of Vanta and Thoropass to determine which platform aligns better with U.S. compliance requirements.
Supported Frameworks
A key starting point is understanding the compliance frameworks each platform supports.
Vanta focuses on SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS. It automates evidence collection for most frameworks but requires manual input for PCI DSS. Thoropass, on the other hand, covers SOC 2, HIPAA, HITRUST, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and GDPR, with the added ability to manage multiple certifications simultaneously.
Automation and Workflow Management
Automation plays a central role in both platforms, but their approaches vary.
Vanta leans heavily on automation, offering continuous monitoring of controls and automatically assigning tasks with clear deadlines. Thoropass combines automation with expert-guided workflows, delivering a tailored process that blends technology with hands-on professional guidance.
Integrations
When it comes to integrations, Vanta connects with AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, GitHub, Slack, and Okta, using an API-first strategy to simplify evidence collection. Thoropass, though supporting fewer integrations, focuses on deeper configuration options for complex IT setups.
Reporting and Dashboards
Both platforms offer robust reporting, but their styles differ.
Vanta’s dashboard features color-coded indicators and automated, audit-ready reports designed for both technical teams and executives. Thoropass provides customizable views, trend analysis, and predictive insights, helping teams take a proactive approach to compliance.
Audit Support and Evidence Collection
Audit preparation is another area where these platforms shine, especially for U.S. organizations managing frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA.
Vanta automates continuous audit trails, organizes evidence by framework, and includes auditor access portals for seamless collaboration. Thoropass enhances automated evidence collection with the support of audit specialists who prepare comprehensive evidence packages and strategies to streamline the process.
These features highlight the different ways Vanta and Thoropass approach compliance management, offering flexibility based on organizational needs and priorities.
Pricing and Value
When selecting a compliance platform, pricing plays a major role in the decision-making process.
Vanta uses a subscription-based model with different tiers tailored to startups, mid-sized businesses, and large enterprises. Thoropass, on the other hand, combines platform access with professional services like audit support and expert advice, and it offers customized pricing for more complex enterprise needs.
Vanta focuses on automation to help reduce the need for a dedicated compliance team, making it a cost-efficient option. Meanwhile, Thoropass emphasizes expert-led support, which can lower dependence on external consultants.
It’s also worth factoring in any additional costs for premium integrations or expedited support services.
Next, let’s dive into customer support and training to round out the comparison.
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Customer Support and Training
When it comes to compliance, reliable support can make all the difference. Both Vanta and Thoropass take distinct approaches to customer assistance and training resources, catering to different organizational needs.
Vanta's Support Structure
Vanta provides a variety of support options designed to address issues efficiently based on their urgency. Their 24/7 Help Center and Vanta Academy offer continuous access to documentation and training materials. Customers can also reach out via 24/5 email support and 11/5 live chat support (Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET). For immediate assistance, their "Ask Ilma" AI chatbot is available around the clock.
For organizations needing faster and more specialized help, Vanta offers a Premium Support tier. This includes access to GRC experts, dedicated support engineers, and customized training sessions. Vanta’s support metrics stand out, with a 12-minute median response time, 46-second live chat reply, and an impressive 96.2% customer satisfaction score. Urgent issues (Severity Level 1) are prioritized, with Standard Support responding within 3 business hours and Premium Support responding within 1 hour.
Thoropass, on the other hand, focuses on a more personalized and hands-on support experience.
Thoropass's Advisory Approach
Thoropass takes a consultative approach, offering dedicated compliance managers and account representatives who guide customers through every step of their compliance process. Their hands-on method includes direct access to audit and compliance experts, starting from the initial setup.
"Thoropass is one of the most responsive vendors I've ever worked with." - Mor Cohen-Tal, CTO and Co-Founder, Opstream
This close collaboration ensures that customers receive tailored advice and support, making it ideal for organizations that value personalized service.
Training Resources Comparison
| Feature | Vanta | Thoropass |
|---|---|---|
| Training Format | Proprietary Security and Privacy Training Library | Live events, webinars, and on-demand content |
| Content | Topics like Security Awareness, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, PCI DSS | Risk management, healthcare compliance, AI in compliance, PCI DSS 4.0, multi-framework compliance |
| Delivery Method | In-platform videos with automated assignments | Live webinars and on-demand resources |
| Personalization | Segmented training with checklists | Direct access to experts for tailored guidance |
| Automation | Automated assignments and tracking | Employee training tracking within the platform |
Vanta’s training approach emphasizes engaging, self-service learning. Their proprietary library includes animated videos and practical examples, automatically assigned to employees based on compliance needs. The system tracks completion and marks tasks as done, making it a straightforward solution for organizations that prefer automated training management.
Thoropass takes a broader approach, offering live events and webinars that cover a wide range of compliance topics, including emerging areas like AI in compliance. Their training includes direct interaction with industry experts, providing valuable insights and support. As Rob Gormisky, Information Security Lead at Forage, shared:
"I was able to ask the auditors about PCI requirements upfront before spending engineering resources to build the product. That was genuinely invaluable." - Rob Gormisky, Information Security Lead, Forage
While Thoropass doesn’t publish specific response time metrics, customer reviews frequently highlight the quick and effective support provided by their representatives. This is reflected in their high G2 rating of 4.7/5, based on 527 reviews.
Ultimately, the choice between Vanta and Thoropass depends on your organization’s priorities. Vanta excels with its metrics-driven, multi-channel support and automated training, while Thoropass stands out for its expert-led, personalized guidance. Each platform brings unique strengths to the table, catering to different organizational needs and preferences.
U.S. Compliance Requirements
This section delves into how Vanta and Thoropass address U.S.-specific regulatory requirements, building on their feature comparisons. Compliance in the U.S. requires platforms designed to meet American legal standards, and both Vanta and Thoropass cater to this need, albeit with different approaches.
HIPAA Compliance Support
For healthcare organizations, adhering to HIPAA regulations is critical. Vanta supports HIPAA compliance through automated risk assessments, policy templates, and continuous monitoring of technical safeguards. The platform keeps track of the administrative, physical, and technical safeguards outlined in the HIPAA Security Rule, flagging potential violations automatically.
Thoropass takes a more personalized route, offering access to healthcare compliance experts who guide organizations through the complexities of HIPAA. Their platform includes pre-built HIPAA risk assessment templates and automated evidence collection tailored for covered entities and business associates. It continuously monitors key requirements like access controls, audit logs, and encryption.
Another key compliance area for U.S. businesses, SOC 2, is also tackled with distinct strategies.
SOC 2 Framework Excellence
SOC 2 Type II certification is a critical benchmark for service organizations in the U.S. Vanta simplifies the process by automatically mapping controls to all five trust service criteria, continuously monitoring compliance, and generating audit-ready evidence.
Thoropass, while equally strong in SOC 2 support, focuses on a more hands-on approach. Their compliance managers work closely with businesses to interpret SOC 2 requirements within specific operational contexts. This tailored guidance is especially helpful for companies with complex IT systems or unique business models that don’t align with standard SOC 2 templates.
California Privacy Rights and CCPA/CPRA
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its amendment, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), impose strict rules on businesses serving California residents. Vanta addresses these laws through automated data mapping, privacy impact assessments, and tools for tracking consumer rights requests. It helps organizations identify personal data flows and implement necessary privacy controls.
Thoropass provides similar functionality but also offers specialized legal advice to navigate the more ambiguous aspects of these regulations. Their experts assist businesses in understanding critical distinctions, such as the difference between "selling" and "sharing" personal information under CPRA - an important factor for determining disclosure obligations.
In addition to privacy laws, U.S. organizations often face industry-specific compliance challenges.
Industry-Specific U.S. Standards
Many industries in the U.S. have their own regulatory requirements. For financial services, both Vanta and Thoropass support compliance with established frameworks like the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, both widely used by banks and credit unions.
Vanta leans heavily on automation and integrates seamlessly with tools commonly used in financial services. Thoropass, on the other hand, offers dedicated industry experts to provide specialized guidance. This human expertise can be particularly valuable for interpreting complex regulatory requirements in highly regulated sectors.
Data Residency and U.S. Legal Requirements
Both platforms rely on U.S.-based infrastructure to meet data residency and legal obligations. Vanta focuses on providing clear documentation, while Thoropass offers comprehensive data processing agreements. These agreements are designed to comply with U.S. privacy laws and ensure the legal protections organizations need when working with third-party compliance tools.
Vanta excels at automating straightforward regulatory requirements, while Thoropass stands out for its expert-driven guidance on more complex issues. Ultimately, the choice between the two often depends on whether an organization values automation and efficiency or prefers a more personalized, expert-led compliance approach tailored to U.S. challenges.
Conclusion
Vanta and Thoropass take different paths to help organizations meet compliance standards - one focuses on automation, while the other emphasizes expert guidance. The right choice depends on your organization’s size, complexity, and preferred level of support.
If automation and efficiency are your priorities, Vanta is a strong contender. It simplifies compliance with features like continuous monitoring, automated evidence collection, and integrations with widely used business tools. This makes it a great fit for tech startups and mid-sized companies with standard compliance needs, such as SOC 2 Type II or basic HIPAA requirements.
On the other hand, Thoropass is ideal for organizations that need expert-led guidance. With dedicated compliance managers, Thoropass offers tailored support for navigating complex regulatory environments. This approach is particularly useful for businesses in highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance, or for enterprises with unique IT setups and multi-framework compliance needs.
For growing tech companies tackling their first SOC 2 audit, Vanta’s automation tools align well with the fast pace of development. Meanwhile, larger enterprises with intricate compliance demands may benefit more from Thoropass’s personalized, hands-on approach.
FAQs
What are the key differences between Vanta and Thoropass in supporting compliance frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA?
Vanta simplifies compliance processes for frameworks like SOC 2 and HIPAA by leveraging automation. This makes it particularly suitable for smaller teams that prioritize quick implementation and ease of use.
On the other hand, Thoropass blends automation with expert guidance and supports a broader range of frameworks, such as HITRUST and GDPR. With pre-built templates and strong integrations, it’s a great choice for mid-sized organizations facing more intricate compliance challenges. Thoropass focuses on minimizing the effort required for compliance while delivering thorough support.
What should a company consider when choosing between Vanta's automation and Thoropass's expert-guided support?
When choosing between Vanta and Thoropass, it’s important to weigh your organization’s specific goals and requirements. Vanta focuses heavily on automation, making it a strong option for businesses looking to simplify compliance processes with minimal manual input. This approach often works well for smaller companies or those with relatively straightforward compliance needs.
In contrast, Thoropass combines automation with expert guidance, making it a better fit for mid-sized businesses or organizations with more complex compliance demands. If your company prioritizes efficiency through automation, Vanta might be the way to go. However, if you need personalized support to tackle intricate compliance challenges, Thoropass could be the better choice.
How does the pricing of Vanta compare to Thoropass, and what factors should companies consider when assessing value?
Vanta's pricing begins at $7,500 per year for SOC 2 compliance, positioning it as a practical choice for smaller businesses with relatively simple compliance needs. On the other hand, Thoropass often serves mid-sized organizations that require more tailored solutions, offering customized pricing to address their specific compliance complexities.
When weighing cost-effectiveness, it's important to go beyond just the initial price tag. Consider factors such as the range of compliance support offered, the complexity of the frameworks you need (like SOC 2, ISO 27001, or HIPAA), and whether the service includes extras like expert guidance or hands-on help. The best option will ultimately depend on your company's size, budget, and compliance goals.
